CANADA’S INFORMATION LEADER FOR ELECTRONIC ENGINEERS AND DESIGNERS
EPT.CA
AUGUST 2019
BUILD FOR TOMORROW
Dorigo expands CEM biz to capture emerging designs p.12
INDUSTRY 4.0
How safe is your data when machines are connected to the Cloud? p.14
DIAMOND IN THE DESIGN
Diamond semiconductor technology improves heat diffusion, power flow p.18
CEM SEARCH
Key steps to take in seeking an electronic manufacturing services partner p.10
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Cover photo: Creation Technologies Photos (this page, from top):Creation Technologies; Dorigo Systems; Getty; AGHAN Semiconductors
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INSIDE Columns
4 EDITORIAL Be sure in search for CEM / EMS ally 8 THINK GREEN Changes coming for REACH SVHC
In every issue
7 NEWSWATCH 19 NEW PRODUCTS 21 PRODUCT SOURCE 21 AD INDEX 22 A LOOK BACK Calcumeter combines a digital multimeter with a calculator
AUGUST 2019
COVER STORY
10 12 14 18
CONTRACT ELECTRONICS MANUFACTURING Steps to consider when deciding on an EMS partner. INVESTING IN TOMORROW Dorigo to unveil state-of-the-art CEM facility in 2020. INDUSTRY 4.0 How safe is your data from cyber-attacks?
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DIAMOND SEMICONDUCTORS Newly developed technology seeks to impact, transform electronic designs.
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August 2019 / EP&T
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EDITORIAL
What to consider when selecting a CEM partner? The road to determining what contract electronic manufacturing services (CEM) firm you par tner with to deliver on your electronic manufacturing services (EMS) needs is a critical one to navigate. There is no doubt that the process of determining a development ally should be detailed, as many key factors must be considered. Like any good marriage, it is important to consider: if the CEM is stable and financially strong, can they deliver, and will they remain faithful to your IP — ensuring it is protected? For the start-up OEM or new product developer, the search for a CEM can be daunting, confusing, exhausting and an angstfilled process. For most electronic engineers, coming up with the conceptual design merely represents the beginning of the entire process of getting the design to market.
Key steps to find a CEM
An in-depth look at all of these elements is detailed by Sean Priddy of Creation Technology in our feature article on pages 10-11 of this issue. Priddy underscores the many factors OEM designers need to consider when deliberating over outsourced assistance. Among the top concerns — location, location, location. Where your EMS provider is located can often be critical — if not to your design — it can help calm a lot of nerves and eliminate much doubt through the process. As previously outlined in an interview I conducted with Port Perry ON-based electronic designer Brodie Stanfield (August 2018 EP&T) — the road to
determining a CEM partner can be a bumpy one. Co-founder and co-CEO of Inventing Future Technology Inc. (IFTech), Stanfield created ARAIG, the world’s first multi-sensory multi-directional, force feedback suit — a complex and unique design. Driven by the propagated myth of cheaper service providers overseas, he found himself trekking all the way to China to get the ball rolling with a CEM that promised ‘the world’. Unfortunately for Stanfield, his experience included several lengthy, time-consuming and expensive trips back and forth, along with thousands spent on prototyping and legal services paid, only to realize he had been misled. Stanfield soon came scrambling back to the safe confines of Canada, where he settled on a local, reputable CEM partner.
Electronics everywhere — driving capital investment?
With electronics being designed into virtually everything these days, the need for assistance in the areas of electronic manufacturing is obvious. The rise of Smart Cities, Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and the endless stream of connected consumer devices translates to every product incorporating electronic components. This bodes well for CEMs and EMS providers, as designers of other commercial products do not necessarily understand electronics. Thus, a recent uptick in busier production lines has led many CEMs across Canada re-investing in new capital equipment. Emerging technology itself can also be blamed, as component sizes continue to shrink, forcing CEMs to update production machinery and processes.
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Final Thoughts
Many CEMs and EMS providers can be faced with the ‘chicken and egg’ scenario: by not adding new equipment until a customer who needs it is signed up, and the customer not choosing the EMS supplier because they don’t have the proper equipment. In reality, no EMS company is likely to buy equipment ‘just in case.’ So where more specialized equipment is required, some thought may be needed from both the OEM and the EMS company as to how the equipment may be purchased and paid for in a mutually beneficial way. When selecting an EMS partner, it is important to take a realistic view of their equipment list. Sure, they must have enough capacity and flexibility to do the ‘bread and butter’ work, but sometimes a more creative approach is required, in order to accommodate more specialist requirements, which can provide both technical and financial benefits to the EMS provider and their customers alike.
Special CEM Guide in 2020
Recognizing the deep importance contract manufacturing plays in the electronic design ecosystem, EP&T plans to create a comprehensive listing of CEMs and EMS providers across Canada in the summer of 2020. The guide is scheduled to appear in our August edition next year. If you are a CEM or EMS provider — be sure to participate, visit ept.ca/cemguide to confirm your information. We anticipate that OEM designers and readers will employ the guide as a useful resource to locating an ideal partner. STEPHEN LAW Editor slaw@ept.ca info@ept.ca
ept.ca
Canada’s information leader for electronic engineers and designers AUGUST 2019
Volume 41, Number 5 EDITOR Stephen Law slaw@ept.ca · (416) 510-5208 WEST COAST CORRESPONDENT
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NEWSWATCH WEARABLES
TRITONWEAR BRINGS AI ANALYTICS TO SWIM WORLD
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Tritonwear worked with over 30 product design experts at Design 1st Inc. in Ottawa to create its swim tech platform.
BLACKBERRY’S QNX SOFTWARE EMBEDDED IN 150 MILLION VEHICLES
BlackBerry Ltd. announced that its QNX software is now embedded in more than 150 million cars on the road today, representing an increase of 30-million cars since the company reported its automotive footprint in 2018.
BlackBerry’s footprint in the automotive industry has never been stronger,” said John Chen, executive chairman and CEO, BlackBerry. “Tier one automakers and chip manufacturers continue to seek out BlackBerry’s safety-certified and highly-secure software for their next-gen vehicles. Together with our customers we will help to ensure that the future of mobility is safe, secure and built on trust.”
PCBs
CCI INJECTS CAPITAL INVESTMENT
Blackberry’s QNX software is in more than 150-million cars.
ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS & TECHNOLOGY / August 2019
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EMBEDDED SOFTWARE
BlackBerry, a leader in automotive cybersecurity, has the highest level of automotive certification for functional safety with ISO 26262 ASIL D and decades of experience in powering mission-critical embedded systems in automotive and other industries. Automotive OEMs and tier ones use BlackBerry QNX technology in their advanced driver assistance systems, digital instrument clusters, connectivity modules, hands-free systems, and infotainment systems that appear in the world’s leading car brands. “As this milestone proves,
Printed circuit board (pcb) maker Canadian Circuits Inc., (CCI) has injected a significant capital investment into its Surrey BC-based operations, with the recent purchase of three large equipment additions. Specializing in quick-turn prototypes and production orders for both double sided and multilayer boards since 1993, CCI has added a Laser Direct Imaging machine (LDI) and
Photo: Tritonwear; BlackBerry; Antares
Toronto-based wearables start-up TritonWear is looking to bring elite sports analytics to swimmers of all stripes through its affordable and easy-to-use technology. The firm’s tech platform, which includes wearable electronic hardware, plus a software app, pinpoints weaknesses and reduces injury risk so athletes can focus their training on the right components to actually get faster. For the past few years TritonWear has been working closely with many top swimming programs globally to help the water sport catch up to its mainstream sporting brethren by integrating data and tech into elite swimmer training. This has provided an opportunity to learn how the best athletes (i.e. Olympians) optimize their performance. TritonWear recently launched its next-gen system, which brings the firm’s proven work with elite athletes to every swimmer and coach in a consumable and affordable way. “It’s been a game changer for the thousands of athletes already using it, but this new generation will change the entire industry,” says co-founder and CEO Tristan Lehari. TritonWear has released the Triton 2, its fully re-invented hardware, along with re-designed software and a new set of AI-based auto-coaching tools. Co-founder and COO, Darius Gai says; “Using the power of artificial intelligence, this product now not only captures the data, but also diagnoses weaknesses and provides the actionable insights coaches and swimmers need to swim faster.” The next gen product release includes new dashboards to visualize individual performance against the entire swimming community globally, the ability to narrow-in on age or speed categories. Swimmers and coaches can now use the device to pinpoint exactly where they need to focus to improve faster than their competitors. To design the product, TritonWear used several internal resources, who ideated the initial concept and assisted in the design and development. The firm worked with more than 30 product design experts at Design 1st Inc. in Ottawa to help build this next generation iteration.
CCI installed an Antares 700X unit which performs high-end HDI. EPT.CA
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an Antares 700 X unit, which will allow the firm to perform high-end HDI work. At the same time, CCI added a Sprint 150 ink jet printer that can provide customers with an option for high resolution in silk screen — thus saving processing time. “This new equipment expands our capabilities into more complex flex and rigid-flex pcbs. This will also help deliver even faster turnaround on jobs,” says CCI president & CEO, Praveen Arya. “With the addition of these three new units, we have no restrictions to the number of layers we can manage for our customers. This enables us to do 20 plus layers.”
ELECTRONICS HUB
Photo: LG Electronics; Phoenix Contact Canada; LeddarTech
FEDDEV ONTARIO SUPPORTS ELECTRONICS HUB IN SOUTHERN ONTARIO
In an effort to create partnerships for new innovation ecosystems that bridge the gaps between science, commercialization, investment and scale-up, the Government of Canada has stepped-up via a FedDev Ontario investment of $5-million delivered to ventureLAB. The aim is to establish the Hardware Catalyst Initiative (HCI), a state-of-the-art lab and incubator that will help hardware technology companies grow and scale up to become globally competitive. This project will support companies that produce the foundational technology for high growth areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and quantum computing, which are playing a key role as we drive towards a more connected, digitally enhanced society. More than 40 businesses will gain access to cutting-edge equipment in an expanded facility focused on designing, prototyping and producing innovative new technologies. ventureLAB will also offer specialized programs, training and mentoring services, and connect companies with industry experts to accelerate the commercialization of their technologies at home and compete around the world. This will increase the pool of talent and advance the growth of a regional semiconductor and hardware cluster connected to the Toronto-Waterloo Innovation Corridor. “Today’s investment in ventureLAB builds on southern Ontario’s, and Canada’s, competitive advantages in advanced electronics, anchoring a strong hub that will help Canadian @EPTmagazine
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companies scale up and compete both at home and abroad, while creating highly skilled jobs today and tomorrow,” says Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for FedDev Ontario. Today’s investment will lead to the commercialization of 15 new technologies and create over 200 new, highly skilled jobs over the next five years. The project also aligns with the Government’s Economic Strategy Tables, which highlight the benefits of integrating digital technologies across key sectors of the Canadian economy.
within the entire perimeter of the vehicle, also referred to as the cocoon. This protects vulnerable road users such as pedestrians who may approach the vehicle in stop-and-go situations. LeddarTech’s cocoon LiDAR provides a unique solution enabling safe, fully autonomous vehicles.
PEOPLE
LG ELECTRONICS APPOINTS HEAD OF AI
SENSORS
COAST AUTONOMOUS CHOOSES LEDDARTECH’S COCOON LIDAR
COAST Autonomous, a Pasadena CA-based software and technology firm focused on delivering AV solutions for urban and campus environments, has selected Quebec City-based LeddarTech as its provider of automotive and mobility LiDAR technology. COAST Autonomous, founded by veterans of the self-driving industry, chose LeddarTech’s technology because of its ability to deliver enhanced safety for COAST Autonomous’ vehicles, according to Pierre Lefevre, chief technology officer at COAST. “The robustness and reliability of LeddarTech’s solid-state technology meet today’s demanding mobility conditions and makes it the technology of choice toward preventing collisions in stop-and-go applications by eliminating dead zones left by other sensing technologies,” says Lefevre. COAST Autonomous has developed self-driving vehicles that integrate several detection technologies, including LiDAR, RADAR, and camera. LeddarTech’s LiDAR provides full coverage with no dead zones
Dr. Darin Graham heads up the LG Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Toronto.
Roger Hallett was appointed general manager, Phoenix Contact Canada.
Coast Autonomous selected LeddarTech for its LiDDAR tech.
LG Electronics Canada Inc. has appointed Dr. Darin Graham as the head of the LG Artificial Intelligence (AI) Lab in Toronto. Having helped establish founding operations of the Vector Institute, a world-renowned artificial intelligence research organization and being an expert on AI networks, Graham is responsible for strengthening LG’s North American AI capacity through strategic partnerships with industry and academia in Canada. Graham brings more than 20-years of experience leading innovative projects that take creative ideas to the marketplace. He has led numerous international R&D programs and been a pivotal force in building Canada’s AI ecosystem. His contributions to the field include enhanced technology-based applied outcomes, and through his work, he has facilitated economic growth by increasing industry knowledge and helping develop human capital.
PHOENIX CONTACT APPOINTS GM FOR CANADA
Phoenix Contact Canada has appointed Roger Hallett to the position of general manager, taking on leadership at its Milton ON headquarters. Prior to joining Phoenix Contact, Hallett held a series of senior management roles with Festo, Siemens and ABB. Originally from the UK, Hallett’s international career has involved living and working in Germany, South East Asia, and Japan. After a five-year posting in Japan, in 2002 he relocated to Canada and after some years decided to settle here and become a Canadian citizen in 2007. Hallett studied electrical engineering at Worcester Technical College in the UK. He completed a four-year engineering apprenticeship program with a UK electrical engineering firm. Visit ept.ca for the latest new products, news and industry events. August 2019 / EP&T
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THINK GREEN
Changes coming for REACH SVHC
Additional compliance requirements for products containing REACH SVHCs are coming — starting January 5th, 2021. BY TIM HOLT
According to Article 33 of the EU REACH Regulation, companies placing products on the market in the EU are currently required to identify the Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs) above 0.1% in an article in their products. What constitutes an ‘article’ is not always clear, however in general, an article is any material used in a product. If the material uses a safety data sheet or SDS (e.g. paint), then it is not yet
considered an article. Only when it is applied to a material (e.g. metal) are the combined paint and metal considered an article. Once SVHCs have been identified, companies must create a SVHC declaration to communicate this to their customers. What are the changes?
SVHC declaration must be registered
Starting in 2021, all products that currently require a SVHC declaration must be registered in the new Waste Framework Directive Database (WFDD).
Companies will also have the option to register products that do not contain SVHCs. This option will cut down on future customer requests. The process will largely be the same whether you are registering a single component (e.g. brass insert) or a complex product (e.g. fridge). There will be some general information required about your company (e.g.name, contact details) and the product (e.g. product code). The registration system will have a series of pull-down menus to enter information about the specific materials and SVHC’s. For the brass insert you will select [metal]-[copper metal alloy]. Then you will need to identify the SVHC and the concentration range [Pb]- [1-5%]. Finally, you
OEMs placing their products in the EU market must identify Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC). 8
ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS & TECHNOLOGY / August 2019
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will need to select any applicable safe use information (e.g. advice to workers, consumers, waste treatment operators, etc.). There will also be the option to enter a custom warning.
How to incorporate your data
Now let’s consider a complex product such as the fridge. The main product registration will be for the fridge unit. There will then be a breakdown for each article within the fridge that contains an SVHC (n.b. articles that do not contain SVHCs will not need to be included). From this point onwards, the process will be similar to the single component only this time there are likely more components to include. Let’s imagine that our fridge has the same brass insert plus a silicone ring. We enter the same information for the brass insert. Then, we identify [plastic]-[thermoset plastic]-[silicone] and the SVHC [D6]-[0.1-0.2%]. There will be questions on how your customers of component manufacturers will incorporate your data. Do they link to your specific component? Do they enter the component generically? The latter may be simpler in order to avoid having to track down the specific part number for the component. Tim Holt is senior technical lead, corporate social responsibility and laboratory operations at Claigan Environmental. Claigan Environmental is a Kanata, Ontario-based provider of regulatory consulting and ISO 17025 accredited laboratory testing for restricted materials legislation. www.claigan.com
Photo: Claigan Environmental
What is REACH SVHC?
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CONTRACT MANUFACTURING
COVER STORY
Why should I use a design and EMS partner? Here are some good reasons for electronic designers to conduct a thorough search in finding a contract manufacturing ally. BY SEAN PRIDDY So you’ve finally decided to explore using an electronic design and manufacturing services (EMS) partner to develop and build your product. There are many reasons why this makes sense, but obviously, your product design will benefit from a manufacturing perspective during the design process.
1. TECHNICAL EXPERTISE
Savvy EMS providers ensure that a comprehensive test strategy is developed concurrently with the design.
2. MFG MINDSET
Feedback during the design phase from the manufacturing team members in sourcing, supply chain, and test engineering reduces the risk of unanticipated issues and increases the likelihood of a seamless design transfer to manufacturing.
Sourcing & supply chain
Because the BOM (Bill-of-Material) cost is usually a large portion of the total product cost, the EMS provider’s capabilities to reduce these costs should be an important criterion. Furthermore, large EMS firms have access to substantial financial credit facilities that enable them to purchase bulk quantities of parts and materials at best possible terms.
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Test considerations
Often product design teams do not develop production test plans until after the product design is already completed. However, a savvy EMS provider will ensure that a comprehensive test strategy is developed concurrently with the product design. This approach results in a cost-effective test process with the best possible test coverage which greatly reduces the risk of uncovering issues during test process validation before the product is introduced to manufacturing.
3. THIRD PARTY SUPPLIERS
If the EMS firm will be using third party resources to design your product such as on-site contractors, remote developers, or external suppliers, there are
several things to consider. First, you should ensure that EMS partner has substantially equivalent confidentiality agreements with its suppliers to protect your information. Second, the more suppliers that your EMS partner uses, the greater the risk of miscommunication among your partner, its suppliers and you. Third, assuming that the EMS company selects its own suppliers, it should be solely responsible for their performance. This includes managing them, ensuring the quality of their work, and paying them. You should never be involved in any disputes between the EMS & its suppliers. Ideally, choose an EMS partner that can develop your
Photo: Creation Technologies
Certainly the EMS firm should have the requisite technical design and manufacturing experience to develop and build your product. Although engineering discipline expertise such as electrical, mechanical, or software is important, it is not sufficient. Relevant industry experience is vital, particularly for those products that require specific domain knowledge such as defense, aerospace, communications, or medical. Depending on your product’s complexity, the development process may require specialized instrumentation, software, simulation tools, or test and measurement equipment; the EMS provider’s staff should already have experience. If not, you will be paying them to learn which is not ideal or cost-effective. Some products may require dedicated facilities such as clean rooms for optical and medical devices or anechoic chambers for sophisticated RF systems. While it may be beneficial if the EMS firm has these facilities in-house, you may also be paying more to cover the additional overhead for these facilities instead of paying one-time fees at a local test lab.
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product with the fewest third party resources.
4. LOCATION / PROXIMITY
Even though it is much easier today than in the past to do business internationally as well as virtually, the location of the EMS firm is still an important consideration. The smaller the geographic range you’re willing to consider, the fewer choices there will be. However, the further away from the EMS company is from you, the greater the opportunity for potential problems to arise. It is unlikely that you will have any communication issues working with a local supplier since you are typically working the same business hours. Even a couple of time zones difference is usually not a problem. But, as the distance to the EMS provider increases, the window for daily communication narrows. A provider that is located in a time zone that is 5 or 6 hours ahead or one that is halfway around the world will likely require you to attend early morning or late evening calls.
Travel
Photo: Creation Technologies
Ideally, it would be great to have a local EMS firm that was only a short car ride away. But, in most cases, this would greatly limit your options. It’s worthwhile to estimate the anticipated travel costs in advance. However, if you choose a foreign electronics EMS provider, travel costs will likely be higher than for domestic travel. Additionally, intercontinental travel will exponentially increase your travel costs, as well as the time investment required per trip. Furthermore, you and your team members will need to have passports and possibly need to obtain visas. This situation can be further complicated if some members of your team are not citizens such as those with temporary visas, work permits, or permanent resident alien cards.
Shipping
While domestic shipping is relatively cost efficient if you can avoid overnight shipping, the cost of international shipping can vary widely based on the @EPTmagazine
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destinations, weight and class of service. If the package’s size and weight is relatively small, international air shipping can be a reasonable option. But, if the package’s size and weight is substantial, air freight can be prohibitively expensive. While ground or boat shipment will be more cost effective, you will have to plan for longer shipping times. It is worth noting that incorrectly filled out customs forms may cause delays and unanticipated tariffs or duties can also substantially increase the effective international shipping costs. Always ensure that the EMS provider has experience managing international shipping to your location. Otherwise, you risk delays and unplanned costs.
can no longer be a barometer for company stability.
Financial strength
Although often overlooked by potential customers, an EMS provider’s financial condition is a critical factor to consider before committing your business. If your EMS partner is not financially strong, the negative impacts can be subtle such as shipping delays due to outstanding past due invoices from a key supplier, credit constraints based on banking covenants, or key personnel leaving, voluntarily or involuntarily, because of payroll cash flow issues.
First, you risk one-track thinking by the EMS firm’s design team that will highly leverage a previous design to reduce the amount of development time and work. Although this approach may reduce development costs and time, it may result in your design being only slightly adapted for your requirements instead of being optimized. Also, depending on the agreement under which the previous product was developed, there may be IP (Intellectual Property) entanglements including joint ownership, 3rd party licensing terms, and other business restrictions that could potential-
Legal considerations
If the EMS firm is organized in a foreign country, you may not have the same legal protections as you would domestically for contracts, warranties, liability, or intellectual property. Even if the EMS firm has a domestic subsidiary you may still be at risk. If the contractual liability resides with the domestic entity, you may have limited legal recourse when an issue arises if the domestic subsidiary doesn’t have the necessary assets or the appropriate and adequate insurance coverage to cover it. Also, beware of a domestic EMS provider who offers a ‘partnership’ with an international supplier. These relationships are almost always just informal business agreements to cooperate without any mutual contractual obligations. So when business goes badly, neither party will take responsibility for the problems leaving you to sort them out for yourself. The best advice if you’re considering an international EMS company is to consult with a qualified attorney who has the necessary background and experience in international trade and intellectual property protection.
5. COMPANY STABILITY
Potential customers often ask how long an EMS firm has been in business. But, in the current business environment, longevity
Always make sure that your EMS partner has signed confidentiality agreements with its suppliers.
Personnel turnover
A key reason to select an EMS firm is that you have access to a seasoned design team that has worked together for many years. The stability of the design team is critical to the efficient development of your product. If there are many new people and the EMS provider is not growing its business, this may be an indicator of a high rate of personnel turnover. However, if there are few new people, this may be a strong indication that you are working with a provider whose business is either stagnant or worse, contracting. Search for a partner that has many long-term team members mixed with some new ones.
6. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
Wouldn’t it be great if you could find an EMS firm that had previously designed a similar product? While at first, this might seem appealing, there are two concerns that should be addressed.
ly limit your future product plans. Additionally, there is a risk of unintentional infringement unless the firm has well-defined processes in place to ensure that people and documentation are segregated among the competitors’ projects. Lastly, you need an EMS partner who is trustworthy, who will honour confidentially agreements and will not share your design details with third parties.
Final Thoughts
While the list of considerations stated above is not exhaustive, it will help you evaluate potential EMS firms based not only on their stated capabilities but also based on key attributes that could impact their ability to successfully design and build your product. Sean Priddy is director of business development for design services at Creation Technologies. August 2019 / EP&T
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FEATURE
Dorigo Systems evolving ahead of the curve
Burnaby-based EMS provider plans for state-of-the-art facility in 2020. BY SOHAIL KAMAL With a clear vision for 2020, Dorigo Systems Ltd. will be moving into a new state-ofthe-art facility in Burnaby B.C. next year. The change of address is aimed at enhancing the electronic manufacturing service (EMS) provider’s production capabilities - ushering in a new way to support customers. Building for tomorrow, Dorigo seeks to support the new wave of technological advancement brought about by coming 5G networks and the internet of things (IoT), as well as serving up a seamless customer experience. This endeavour, of course, requires more than a new building. To start, it requires something that most companies either retreat from or lack the foresight to recognize: the need for change, according to Alex Chassels, the newly appointed VP of operations at Dorigo. Chassels joined Dorigo after leaving Alpha Technologies Ltd., a Burnaby-based OEM in the backup power space - after it was acquired by EnerSys. He described his experience at Alpha Technologies as “phenomenal”, but post-acquisition found himself yearning to work in a more entrepreneurial environment. Chassels felt that Dorigo, with just under 100 employees, has that Goldilocks size: Not too big to make it cumbersome to initiate change yet not too small to be unable to invest in the people and infrastructure to quickly revolutionize.
People, Process and Technology
As a result, Chassels has set his sights on shifting Dorigo through three key areas; people, process and technology. This aligns with the existing vision for the facility
Once completed, Dorigo’s campus will be among the most sophisticated.
put in place several years ago. “Once complete, our new campus will rank among the most sophisticated manufacturing facilities in the Pacific Northwest,” Chassels says. For Dorigo, the firm’s success has been strong and sustained, recently celebrating its 30th year of operations in 2018. Founder and president Mark Pillon P.Eng. points out, however, that growth has had its own set of challenges: “In particular, when existing systems reach their limitations. Dorigo’s leadership had to be realistic in assessing the situation and acknowledging a need for change,” Pillon says. “Without managing change, Dorigo ran the risk of compromising existing customer relationships as well as missing out on other promising business opportunities.” To illustrate why Dorigo has chosen change, it helps to look at a major pain point burdening the industry. When Chassels was
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working on the OEM side his supply chain teams always faced the same difficulties working with contract manufacturers.
New Standard of Transparency
“We were constantly digging for information and no matter who the EMS was, tier 1, 2 or 3, we needed to go through layers of people to obtain, at best, unclear answers,” says Chassels, adding that Dorigo will aim to usher in a new standard of transparency that all customers should expect. “Dorigo wants to be a part of the value chain, not a vendor, but an integrated part of the customer’s business.” As for the opportunities, Dorigo does not want to miss out on the new breed of niche integrated products in the industrial, telecommunications and power and energy sectors. “All our current and future customers are innovators. Many of them creating products that control or measure critical
parameters with the added need for integrated communications,” Chassels says. “Our reach is far, but our own backyard, the Pacific Northwest, has a vibrant product-based tech community with excellent keystone support organizations and world-class learning institutions.”
New Wave of Engineers Seek Collaboration
Starting with Chassels, Dorigo is investing in future skill sets today. “We are seeing a new wave of engineers coming in. They want to collaborate more. When we look forward to building for the future, we aim to bring in people who have a more systems view of the world, to help us with new connectivity tools to enable seamless communications with our customers,” Chassels states. Next, Dorigo is investing in the systems architecture - rolling out FactoryLogix, a manufacturing execution system that will link with its existing enterprise resource planning system and can be expanded with new communication tools. “This gives us added traceability, the time that each operation takes on the factory floor, uncovering how we can focus our improvements, increase speed, flexibility and dependability,” says Chassels. The custom-built company headquarters and manufacturing space is currently under construction at the Glenlyon Business Park, slated for completion in the spring of 2020. “People, process and technology. [Dorigo’s founder and president Mark] Pillon’s vision of the new facility includes collaborative space for the entire electronics community,” touts Chassels with a hint of optimism. “Our customers are designing for the future, and we are investing in a thoughtful framework to support them.” To learn more about Dorigo go to www.dorigo.com. Sohail Kamal is EP&T’s West Coast correspondent. sohail@nextgear.ca
Photo: Dorigo Systems
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INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION
FEATURE
How safe is your data in Industry 4.0?
Manufacturing is one of the most targeted industries for cyber-attacks. BY BRYAN CHRISTIANSEN
Industry 4.0
Industry 4.0 refers to the Fourth Industrial Revolution, a super trend that is affecting much of manufacturing right now. The first two so-called revolutions were the advent of steam power and electricity. The third revolution was the development of computers into production with PLCs, historians, etc. Industry 4.0 is the revolution of data and connectedness that is becoming possible with new technology. It encompasses such terms such as the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), Smart Manufacturing, Machine Learning, and Artificial Intelligence (AI). A core tenet of Industry 4.0 is unobstructed data flow for rapid, deep understanding of processes. The goal of availability and connectedness must be balanced with the risk of cyber-attack.
Potential Threats
Manufacturing is, unfortunately, one of the most targeted industries for cyber-attacks. In a recent survey, MakeUK found that “48% of manufacturers have been subject to a cyber-attack”. These attacks wreak havoc on the manufacturers, costing billions of dollars worldwide. A study in 2018 estimated a $50 billion cost in cyber-attacks on German manufacturing. The attacks can come in many forms. Phishing scams can dupe unwitting workers via email. Ransomware can control systems until hackers are paid a ‘ransom’ to remove the infection. Some attackers look to steal in-
The Stakes are Higher With the Switch to Industry 4.0
Engineers are familiar with the principle that, as a system gets more complex, the number of ways in which it can fail also increases. That is what happens when you decide to introduce predictive maintenance and Industry 4.0 to any production environment. While this added layer of complexity undoubtedly brings numerous benefits, it also makes
It is frightening to imagine what could happen if a cybercriminal broke into an Industry 4.0 plant system environment to access and control each and every device associated with the Local Area Network. tellectual property to sell to competitors. Hackers can potentially even directly control process machinery. Malicious software can also infect ‘air-gapped’ equipment via USB (perhaps the most famous cyber-attack on an industrial process was a version of this attack called Stuxnet). In fact, manufacturing is attacked from USBs at a higher rate than other sectors. Research from TrendMicro found that in the second half
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of 2018 “25.77 percent of USB worm detections occurred in the sector which was almost double that of government (13.49%) and education (12.73%)”
you more vulnerable to cybersecurity threats — and stats mentioned in the last section clearly reflect that. And when everything is connected, even a single breach can be devastating. Stealing or deleting important data you have stored aside, the risks are nicely described by functional safety consultant Rafal Selega in this article: “The underlying principle of Industry 4.0 is that all systems,
including those devices utilizing Internet-protocol addresses, are connected to the globally accessible Internet infrastructure. It is frightening to imagine what could happen if a cybercriminal broke into an Industry 4.0 plant system environment to access and control each and every device associated with the local area network.”
Solving the Issue
There is not a quick fix solution to the ever-growing problem of data security. The process of securing the operation against threats is a continual progression. An overarching approach should be developed and maintained.
Develop a Security Strategy Early
Make cybersecurity part of your Industry 4.0 strategy and do it
Photo: Getty Images
With the growth of smar t, connected technology in Industry 4.0 initiatives, data is more available than ever. But, how safe is your data when you are connecting machines to the cloud? Leaving your operation vulnerable to cyber-attack can be disastrous. Appropriate measures need to be taken to protect the operation. Unfortunately, there is not one cure-all answer that can help protect your operation against every unsafe threat. Rather, you must implement data protection as an overall strategy.
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NEW PRODUCTS MINIATURE CONNECTORS SUIT HARSH CONDITIONS NICOMATIC
AMM Series of 1.00mm pitch connectors are suitable for demanding space-constrained applications in harsh environments. Five standard layouts with 6, 10, 20, 34, 50 contacts distributed over two rows are stocked in depth. Lightweight and secure, devices provide integrated guidance pin for stacking and are capable of carrying up to 4.8A (pcb to cable, 20 pins at 25°C) or 2.5A (pcb to pcb, 20 pins at 25°C). www.nicomatic.com
VARISTORS BOOST SURGE CAPABILITY
early! You don’t want to be making drastic changes to your Industry 4.0 projects after they have been deployed. If needed, involve industry experts and make an investment into cybersecurity at your facility.
Map the System
Build a map of all connected devices and conduct a thorough risk assessment of those devices. Pay particular attention to outdated equipment. Form a plan to upgrade or remove the old devices from your network. Reassess the network at regular intervals.
Follow Industry Standards
There are industry standards for cybersecurity that can aid your business in securing its data. Make the standard a requirement for any technology used at your site. There are many specific @EPTmagazine
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practices that can be enacted to safeguard your data and processes. Develop an internal process for new Industry 4.0 projects which specifically reviews their vulnerability. Enable multi-factor authentication for user logins. Develop user access directory groups and review them regularly. Apply software patches frequently to ensure security flaws are corrected. Use encryption and data masking techniques. Audit these practices and maintain documentation of the audit process.
Pick Software Providers Carefully
We need different software solutions to manage the increasing complexity that comes with Industry 4.0. For an added piece of mind, you should only choose software providers that can explain which measures they have
implemented to prevent possible exploits.
Conclusion
With Industry 4.0 initiatives, your data is as safe as you make it. Your operation needs to be considering cybersecurity as part of its Industry 4.0 plan. Threats are evolving every day and businesses cannot ignore them. By not securing your data, you risk huge losses. Fortunately, there is much guidance and practice on this topic, so any business looking to secure its Industry 4.0 can get help if they are not ready to face the risks. Bryan Christiansen is the founder and CEO of Limble CMMS, a modern, easy to use mobile CMMS software that takes the stress and chaos out of maintenance by helping managers organize, automate, and streamline their maintenance operations.
VISHAY INTERTECHNOLOGY BCcomponents VDRUS series of VDR metal oxide varistors (MOV) are certified for operation up to +125°C in accordance with UL 1449 edition 4, VDE/IEC 61051-1/2. Designed to provide overvoltage and transient voltage protection in consumer goods and industrial applications, devices provide 30% higher surge current capability than previous-generation devices. www.vishay.com
TOUCH LINE BOOSTS QUALITY IN VISUAL APPLICATIONS WAGO
Touch Panel 600 line of operator interface devices brings high-tech screens and improved quality visualizations to allow users to accompany machines with advanced features. Engine has a Cortex A9 multicore processor providing fast operating speeds. On board security include a built in firewall and VPN to help users address cyber attaches. www.wago.us August 2019 / EP&T 15
2019-07-25 9:23 AM
INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION
NEW PRODUCTS POWER LINE EMI CHOKES COME IN 16 SIZES
NEW CONFIGURATIONS JOIN IP68 1554, 1555 INDUSTRY 4.0 FAMILIES
HAMMOND MANUFACTURING Firm has added 36 new configurations to its Industry 4.0 1554 and 1555 sealed enclosure families. Available in ABS or polycarbonate with styled, opaque, clear or smoked lids, the six new sizes are 105 x 105 x 60 and 90, 140 x 140 x 60 and 90 and 180 x 180 x 60 and 90, giving a grand total of 150 sizes and lid options available as standard. In addition to the new sizes, the polycarbonate versions have cUL and UL 508A listing and are tested to IP68 (NEMA Type 4, 4X, 6, 6P, 12 and 13). Sealing is achieved with a tongue and groove construction and a one-piece UL listed silicone gasket. All versions have a RAL7035 grey base. The polycarbonate range is available with a plain or styled opaque lid, a clear lid or a smoked lid; the ABS units have a plain or styled opaque grey lid. The lid is secured with self-captivated M4 stainless steel machine screws, located outside the sealed area and threaded into integral stainless-steel bushings to preserve the sealing integrity after repetitive assembly and disassembly. www.hammondmfg.com
SCREW TERMINAL LINE COMES IN STRAIGHT, RIGHT-ANGLE VERSIONS BLOCKMASTER ELECTRONICS Electronic hardware line now includes two additional 25 Amp through-hole screw terminals, extending the lower-end of the existing offering of 30A to 150A screw terminals for high-current terminations on printed circuit boards. Devices are available
in both straight (OT-009 Series) and right-angle (OT-010 Series) versions, each with an optional M4 screw, flat and lock washer. Available with
through-hole mounting, devices are suitable for use in rugged high-current applications. www.blockmaster.com
DIGITAL PANEL METERS BOOST ACCURACY, DESIGN FLEXIBILITY
MURATA POWER SOLUTIONS DMS01 Series of large format digital panel meters provides both process voltage and current measurement functions across a broad range. Products provide bright, 25.4mm tall LED displays that are readable up to 24 meters and deliver adjustable
display brightness and digital noise filtering. Each unit requires an external 12Vdc power source that provides power to the meter and an internal dc-dc converter that accommodates a +/-48V common-mode measurement range with respect to the power supply input. Products increase design flexibility for industrial designs. www.murata-ps.com
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COILCRAFT Cx Family of surface-mount common mode chokes includes 16 sizes/ configurations for a broad range of power line circuits. Devices suppress high frequency common mode noise up to 100MHz and deliver greater than 40dB common mode attenuation, making them suitable for use in consumer electronics and industrial applications. Devices feature a low-profile, toroidal construction in a surface-mount, magnetically-shielded package with 13 x 13mm footprints. Devices are available with current ratings up to 10Amps (Irms) and provide 1000/1500Vrms isolation (hipot) between windings. Devices feature RoHS-compliant tin-silver-copper over tin over nickel over phos bronze terminations and withstand a maximum reflow temperature of 260°C. www.coilcraft.com
TERMINAL BLOCK CONNECTORS DELIVER UP TO 24 POLE COUNTS
CUI Terminal block connectors feature up to 24 pole counts and come available in pluggable, screw type and screwless configurations with 2.54, 3.50, 3.81, 5.00, 5.08, and 7.62mm pitches. Models also deliver horizontal, vertical, 45°, and 180° orientations, making them suitable for lighting systems, commercial building equipment, industrial controls, and any wire-to-board application requiring quick wire termination in the field. Devices accommodate 28 up to 10 AWG wires and include blue, green, orange, yellow, gray, and black color options, along with an additional white color option for the push button on the screwless versions. Devices carry UL current ratings from 2 to 30A and IEC current ratings from 5 to 32A as well as UL voltage ratings of 150 and 300 Vdc and IEC voltage ratings from 130 to 630Vdc. www.cui.com/catalog/interconnect/connectors/terminal-blocks
200W, 250W DC-DC CONVERTERS COME AS STANDARD BRICK GAÏA CONVERTER MGDI-204 and MGDI-254 families of quarter brick dc-dc converters provide unprecedented power at
200W and 250W. Devices provide wide input voltage range of 9 36Vdc, making them suitable for 12V, 24V or 28V applications in ground-borne industrial or on-board mobile applications. Product family consists of single output models delivering 12V output voltage, capable of delivering up to 16.6A and 20.8A output current with 92% efficiencies in the industry standard quarter brick footprint of 57.9mm x 36.8mm x 12.7mm. Units incorporate a complete suite of protection functions. www.gaia-converter.com
BACKSHELLS, DUST CAPS SERVE HARSH ENVIRONMENTS
HEILIND ELECTRONICS Amphenol Pcd circular connector backshells and dust caps are compatible with a variety of MIL-SPEC connector series, including MIL-DTL-5015, MIL-DTL-26482, MIL-DTL-38999 and MIL-DTL-83723. Devices provide strain relief, environmental protection and EMI/ RFI shielding at the termination area of virtually any connector. Devices
are available in both military (MIL) specifications and commercial types for most any application and meet the SAE AS85049 standard. With a base material of aluminum alloy, stainless steel, brass or composite — along with a variety of finishes — most devices meet or exceed RoHS and REACH compliant standards. www.heilind.com Visit ept.ca for the latest new products, news and industry events. EPT.CA
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FEATURE
The case for diamond semiconductors
Newly developed technology improves heat diffusion, increases power flow and requires less space. BY ADAM KHAN As we continue to enhance the technology within our electronics to create devices that are smaller, more powerful and more energy-responsible, AKHAN Semiconductor begun implementing Wide Bandgap (WBG) semiconductors.With its ability to operate at temperatures of over 300 degrees C, handle 10-times higher voltages and operate with over 90% increased power efficiency, WBG semis have the potential to save significantly in energy and cut costs. While the implementation of WBG semis is the first step towards better electronic devices, the next is determining which material is the most effective. Thus far, silicon has been the predominant material of choice for semis, despite its physical limitations for both computing and powering applications. Today’s applications require lithography feature sizes approaching the atomic limit for silicon in computing and higher blocking voltages, switching frequencies, efficiency and reliability in power. It’s time to adopt a new standard for WBG semiconductor material, one without limitations and one that will augment the already impressive capabilities of WBG semiconductors.
Top Contendeing Materials
The top three materials for WBG semiconductors are diamond, silicon carbide and gallium nitride. Diamond is a leading contender with its ability to significantly outmatch other materials in a variety of properties, including applicability with new doping approaches and low temperature growth (CMOS compatible). However, it’s inhibited by the process necessary to make it fit for electronics. Being the least mature of WBG semi materials,
Improved Heat Diffusion—Di-
Wide Bandgap semiconductors operate at 300C, handle 10Xs higher voltages and operate with more than 90% increased power efficiency.
development work is needed on commercial semi processes to enable widespread applicability and high-volume usage. Silicon carbide (SiC) is the most familiar of the WBG semiconductor materials. Despite higher processing temperatures (700C) and costly substrates (single crystal silicon), the long maturation cycle of the technology has made it the cheapest of the three WBG semi materials. SiC has broad commercialization in power devices and electric and hybrid electric vehicles (EV/ HEV) markets due to its higher operating temperature even at higher voltages. However, high deposition temps and limited substrate applicability still leave SiC bounds away from the CMOS silicon platform. Gallium nitride (GaN) is more mature than diamond and GaN devices have had widespread deployment in optoelectronics (LED and Laser Diodes), RF, and high-power electronics primarily due to the material’s direct bandgap and high-frequency performance. However, GaN remains the costliest of the WBG
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temperature sensitivity—creating the perfect diamond wafers needed for electronics. Manufactured at Akahn’s Gurnee, IL headquarters, the Miraj Diamond Platform is manufactured with tight control of quality and IP, serving mostly customers in the defense, consumer electronics, aerospace, automotive and telecommunications sectors. Benefits of implementing diamond semis include:
materials and lacks in thermal performance (one-fourth the thermal conductivity of SiC and one-20th of diamond) as well as power handling.
Why Diamond?
As the technology space entered this new WBG frontier, AKHAN Semiconductor identified a suitable material for this application and refined it into a cost-efficient and effective solution - the Miraj Diamond Platform. Since diamond has long been inaccessible due to high costs and limited amounts of the material, through research and scientific advancements, AKHAN created a state-of-the-art manufacturing process that produces these crystals at a low-cost using methane gas and plasma as source materials. These wafer scale processes utilize chemical vapor deposition (CVD) reactors to form diamond in nanocrystals below 400°C, enabling their integration with complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) devices, commercial display glass, and other materials previously precluded due to
amonds’ ability to conduct heat far surpasses that of materials currently used for electronics— (e.g. fans) heat sinks, diamond films can be directly integrated into a chip, which cools much more efficiently (direct phonon cooling) and much faster (with diamond thermal conductivity 22 times that of silicon and five times that of copper). Diamonds can also withstand and operate at temperatures over 600C (versus 150 C for Silicon), meaning electronics can run hotter without costly, bulky cooling needs.
Increased Power Flow—With
diamonds ability to handle higher voltages than silicon without breaking down, new devices will be available for high power application such as Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistors (MOSFETS) and Schottky Diodes (where building higher-voltage-rating MOSFETs and Schottky diodes is limited due to the large silicon die increase as the breakdown voltage requirement increases, resulting in reduced manufacturing yields and increased costs).
Less Space Required—One of
diamonds’ rarest properties is its uncommon ability to isolate massive voltages with just a small fraction of the material. Consider this, 50 times less diamond is needed than traditional silicon material when isolating 10,000V. In the end, diamond technology enables users to develop faster, smaller and more energy efficient electronics at a lower cost. Adam Khan is the founder & CEO of AKHAN Semiconductor.
Photo: AKHAN Semiconductor
SEMICONDUCTOR TECHNOLOGY
EPT.CA
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DESIGN SOURCE
NEW PRODUCTS COLOR-KEYED, SMT TEST POINTS REPLACE WIRE-WRAP POSTS
INVERTERS DELIVER 800VA 3-PHASE PURE SINE WAVE OUTPUT
ABSOPULSE ELECTRONICS CTPH 800-F7W series of high input voltage dc-ac inverters deliver up to 800VA 3-phase pure sine wave output voltage. Devices operate from a 700Vdc nominal input, 500-900Vdc operating range, 1100Vdc peak, with a maximum
start-up current of 2A. Units deliver a 3-phase sine wave output of 208Vrms continuous at 60Hz or 400Hz, 400Vrms continuous at 50Hz, or custom. Heavy filtering on the input and output contribute to low noise. Products are suitable for applications that require a high input voltage, three-phase solution with low start-up current. www.absopulse.com
EMX ENTERPRISES Keystone Electronics series of surface mountable test points with colored insulator bases, which replace wire-wrap posts and turret terminals. The rugged test points are manufactured in Phosphor bronze with a silver plate for superior soldering and low electrical resistance for a variety of applications. The colored identification bases are manufactured of high-temperature nylon, suitable for most SMT reflow solder operations with an operating temperature of up to 150°C. Test points are available in 10 different colored bases: red, black, white, yellow, orange, brown, green, blue, purple and gray. Device’s sturdy design allows for multiple cycles of use with a variety of gripping devices, hooks, tips and probes. www.emx.ca/
EPTECH 2019 MISSISSAUGA VANCOUVER VANCOUVER MISSISSAUGA Mar. 7 Mar. 7 June 12 June 12 MISSISSAUGA VANCOUVER Mar. 7 June 12
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TOUGHENED EPOXY SYSTEM BONDS, SEALS, COATS, ENCAPSULATES
MASTER BOND Supreme 3CCM-85 toughened, one part epoxy system can be used for bonding, sealing, coating and especially glob tops and small encapsulation. The curing temperature for this system is 175-185°F for 2 to 3 hours, rather than the typical curing temperature of 250-300°F for a one-part epoxy. This allows the product to be used in applications where plastic substrates are sensitive to temperatures exceeding 200°F. Made with a viscosity and flow profile, product is not premixed and frozen and its working life is unlimited at room temperature. Product bonds well to a wide variety of substrates used in electronics including metals, composites, ceramics and many plastics. www.masterbond.com
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Employing a highly time-efficient table-top display format, EPTECH shows target electronics designers, engineers, technicians, technologists, purchasers, technical managers and researchers.
CONTACT US TO BOOK YOUR EXHIBITOR SPACE TODAY! EPT.CA/EPTECH/EXHIBIT/ Scott Atkinson, Associate Publisher: Tel: 416-510-5207 email: satkinson@ept.ca Joanna Malivoire, Account Manager: Tel: 1-866-868-7089 email: jmalivoire@ept.ca @EPTmagazine
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DESIGN SOURCE
NEW PRODUCTS
RASPBERRY PI 4 IS FASTER, BOOSTS MEMORY WITH IMPROVED INTERFACE, CONNECTIVITY
NEWARK Raspberry Pi 4 Model B Computer provides enhancements in processor speed, multimedia performance, memory and connectivity that will make it attractive to general desktop computer users, hobbyist and makers and professional developers working with compute-intensive embedded
applications such as computer vision and Artificial Intelligence (AI). With more memory options, unit delivers true Gigabit Ethernet, USB 3.0 and increased processor performance and is well positioned to accelerate its adoption for industrial applications. AI and machine learning data can be processed right on the board, reducing the need to send data to the cloud and addressing real-world concerns about privacy. Product uses a 28nm SoC,
delivering a significant increase in performance and energy efficiency. canada.newark.com
PLUG & TRUST DEVICE ENHANCES IOT SECURITY, MAXIMIZES FLEXIBILITY
NXP EdgeLock SE050 product family of Plug & Trust devices provides enhanced CC EAL 6+ based security, for improved protection against the latest attack scenarios. This ready-to-use secure element for IoT devices provides a root of trust at the IC level and delivers real end-to-end security — from edge to cloud — without the need to write security code. Delivered as a ready-to-use solution, the product includes a complete product support package that simplifies design-in and reduces time to market. www.nxp.com
EMI FILTER FOR 1-PHASE MINI HAPTIC FEEDBACK SYSTEMS DELIVERS ACTUATORS SHRINK UP TO 277V DIMENSIONS SCHURTER FMAB HV series EMI filters for 1-phase systems is suitable for applications requiring ac voltages up to 277V, such as 1-phase of the 3-phase 480/277Vac wye system. System is also rated for 400Vdc, a power infrastructure increasingly common in data centers and equipment therein according to IEC 60950. The filter provides a high level of performance in a small compact package. Device provides a current range from 1A to 20A at 277Vac / 277Vdc according to IEC standard and 277Vac and 400Vdc according to UL/CSA standard. It has ENEC and cURus approval. www.schurter.com/en/datasheet/FMAB HV
TDK CORP. PowerHap 0904H014V060 and 1204H018V060 miniature rectangular piezo actuators for haptic feedback have smaller dimensions of 9 x 3.75 x 1.4mm and 12 x 4 x 1.8mm, respectively. At the maximum operating voltage of 60V, devices can accelerate a mass of 100 grams
at 3.3 g(pk) or 5 g (pk) with maximum displacements of 15 µm or 27µm, respectively. Devices deliver high acceleration and large forces in a very compact design, coupled with a short response time of less than one millisecond. Devices deliver low energy consumption of 0.35mJ or 0.6mJ per feedback. Devices provide strong sensing functionality by using the inverse piezo effect. www.tdk-electronics.tdk.com
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PRODUCT SOURCE GUIDE SULFUR-RESISTANT FIXED RESISTORS COME IN 8 FOOTPRINTS
PANEL MOUNT BEEPERS & BUZZERS
CPS
BOURNS Model CRxxxxA-AS chip resistor series are sulfur-resistant AEC-Q200 compliant offered in eight different footprints from small In Stock! Competitive Prices! Free Samples! 0201 (0603 IP65 RoHS High Audio / Lighted Output! Listen to Our Product Selection Online! metric) to 2512 (6432 (847) 956-1920 metric) with rated power from 0.05 to 1 watt. www.TUSAINC.com The surface-mount devices deliver a wide resistance range from 1 ohm to 20 megohms making them suitable for a variety of generRugged pcb screw terminals al-purpose applications. Manufactured using aEPT_JanFeb_Tusainc.indd 1 2017-12-08 manage high current thick film element printed onto a ceramic substrate, devices operate in certain harsh terminations environments with higher levels of sulfur contamination. www.bourns.com
MDO, MSOS ENHANCED DISPLAYS BOOSTS USER EXPERIENCE
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August 2019 / EP&T 21
2019-07-25 9:24 AM
A Look Back Celebrating four decades of electronics design Marking its 40 th anniversary this year, EP&T will feature this special column throughout 2019, providing readers with a peek at our past, while paying homage to our history.
In this issue, A Look Back puts its focus on a Technology Report which appeared in EP&T’s September issue in 1979. The article, titled: Smart DMM / calculator combination solves tricky measurement problems, details a device called the Calcumeter (model 4100) from Electro Scientific Industries Inc. (ESI). How many times have you wondered why someone hasn’t combined a digital multimeter with a scientific-engineering calculator so that you could make a measurement, process the reading and obtain a meaningful result — all in one simple operation. Until now readings have had to be manually processed through a separate calculator or computer, or else fed through an elaborate and expensive multi-instrument system. Electro Scientific Industries Inc. (ESI) has solved this problem with the model 4100 Calcumeter. This handheld 3.5-digit DMM feature autoranging, autozeroing and autopolarity, plus a microprocessor based calculator that can memorize, average, sort, calculate, beep warnings and communicate with other devices. You can use the Calcumeter as a standard DMM or as a scientific / engineering calculator, but the big advantage is that you can automatically process your DMM readings through the calculator to get the results you need, saving valuable time. As a basic 3.5-digit DMM, the Calcumeter measures ac and dc volts from 10 microvolt to 1000Vdc (750Vac), current from 10 microamp
The Model 4100 Calcumeter was created by Electro Scientific Industries Inc., which combined a digital multimeter with a engineering calculator.
22 ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS & TECHNOLOGY / August 2019
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to 200mA, and resistance from zero to 20 megohm. Conductance is automatically obtained by measuring resistance and using the reciprocal or inversion key. The liquid crystal readout then provides a direct reading of conductance. As a calculator the unit has standard addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and memory keys, as
well as reciprocal, square and squareroot functions, natural and common logs and antilogs, exponential function, a 2pi key, which simplifies calculations involving radians and reactive impedances, and a number of special keys for electronic engineers and/or technicians. In its day, the unit sold for under $550 (CND).
Photo: EP&T
The Original Article Stated:
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